Mantis Space, a venture-backed startup developing the first power grid in outer space, has chosen Albuquerque, New Mexico, for its new corporate headquarters and research facilities. The move is expected to create over 200 high-paying jobs and inject nearly half a billion dollars into the state's economy over the next decade.
The announcement, made on December 8, 2025, positions New Mexico as a critical player in the future of orbital infrastructure, a sector poised to support everything from off-planet data centers to lunar manufacturing operations.
Key Takeaways
- Mantis Space, a startup building an orbital power grid, is moving its headquarters to Albuquerque.
- The project is projected to generate a $480 million economic impact over 10 years.
- More than 200 jobs will be created, with average annual salaries exceeding $180,000.
- The company received $3 million in combined state and city economic incentives to relocate.
- This move reinforces New Mexico's growing status as a national hub for aerospace and advanced technology.
A New Frontier in Space Infrastructure
Mantis Space aims to solve a fundamental challenge for the growing space economy: reliable and accessible power. The company is developing orbital infrastructure designed to generate and distribute electricity to satellites and, eventually, lunar operations. This concept of an in-space power grid could revolutionize how technology operates beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Currently, satellites and other space assets rely on their own solar panels and batteries, which limits their power capacity, operational lifespan, and capabilities. An orbital grid would function like a utility company in space, allowing customers to draw power as needed. This could enable more powerful sensors, longer missions, and new industries such as off-planet data processing and manufacturing.
What is an Orbital Power Grid?
An orbital power grid is a network of space-based infrastructure designed to generate, store, and transmit electricity to other objects in orbit, such as satellites, space stations, or lunar bases. This system would reduce the need for each individual satellite to carry its own bulky and limited power generation system, potentially making them smaller, cheaper, and more capable.
The company's vision aligns with a future where commercial and scientific activities in space are not just possible but economically sustainable. By providing a foundational utility, Mantis Space is laying the groundwork for a more robust and interconnected off-world economy. The state's Economic Development Department noted that such infrastructure is a precursor to advanced concepts like "off-planet data centers and manufacturing."
Why Albuquerque Was Chosen
The decision to relocate from Georgia to Albuquerque followed a comprehensive national search. According to company officials, several factors made New Mexico the ideal choice. The state offered a compelling combination of available talent, quality of life, and a strong package of economic incentives.
By the Numbers: The Mantis Space Deal
- Economic Impact: $480 million over 10 years
- Job Creation: 200+ new positions
- Average Salary: Over $180,000 per year
- State Incentives: $2.5 million from the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA)
- City Incentives: $500,000 from the City of Albuquerque
The financial support was a significant element in the final decision. The state is providing $2.5 million through its Local Economic Development Act, while the City of Albuquerque is contributing an additional $500,000. This $3 million investment is aimed at securing long-term, high-wage employment and cementing the state's leadership in the aerospace sector.
“Albuquerque exceeded nearly all our criteria for our highly competitive selection and offered an extremely competitive package that was ultimately the key,” Mantis Space CEO Eric Truitt said in a statement. “We look forward to working together to make New Mexico a national leader in both space and advanced energy innovation.”
The access to a skilled workforce, supported by nearby research institutions and a legacy of aerospace and defense industries, also played a crucial role. The state's established ecosystem provides a pipeline of engineers, scientists, and technicians essential for the company's ambitious research and development goals.
New Mexico's Ascent as a High-Tech Hub
The arrival of Mantis Space is not an isolated event but the latest in a series of major high-tech investments in New Mexico. The state is actively cultivating an environment that attracts cutting-edge industries, from data and AI to fusion energy and hypersonics.
A String of Major Investments
In recent months, New Mexico has seen a surge of significant projects:
- Project Jupiter: In September, plans were approved for a massive data center campus in Albuquerque intended to support tech giants OpenAI and Oracle.
- Pacific Fusion: The same month, the California-based fusion energy company announced it would build a $1 billion research and manufacturing facility in the city.
- Hypersonic Development: In November, a hypersonic missile company revealed plans for a 1,000-acre manufacturing plant in nearby Sandoval County.
These developments reflect a deliberate strategy outlined by state officials. A recent 158-page report from the Economic Development Department called for targeted growth in key fields, including quantum systems, advanced energy, and aerospace—all areas where Mantis Space is positioned to contribute.
“New Mexico is rapidly becoming an anchor for our nation’s most advanced industries, as today’s exciting announcement demonstrates,” said New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “With our world-class research institutions, unmatched talent, and growing network of innovative companies, our state is literally shaping the future.”
The establishment of Mantis Space's headquarters is more than just a corporate relocation; it is a strategic win that strengthens New Mexico's reputation as the place where the future of technology is being built. As the company begins to build its team and facilities, its presence will likely attract further investment and talent to the region, accelerating the growth of this burgeoning tech corridor.